DIY Network

Garlic Jar Master potter Bill Van Gilder throws a jar that's perfect for garlic storage. From "Throwing Clay" episode DTHC-206

Throwing clay is master potter Bill Van Gilder's passion. A potter for more than three decades, Bill specializes in designing functional and creative clayware. His garlic jar utilizes several new throwing techniques.

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The jar's dome lid is shaped like a shallow bowl (figure A) and thrown off a hump of clay. The knob is sculpted from wet clay (figure B), and a gallery, which includes a split rim to create a lid seating, will support the lid on the finished piece (figure C).

Figure A

Figure B

Figure C

	Figure D
	This garlic jar can hold more than just garlic.

Tools (figure D):

2-1/2-lb. lump of clay
ruler
sponge on a stick
undercutting rib
cut-off wire
hole cutter
trimming tool
sanding pad
dust mask
wax-resist emulsion
glazes

1. The jar is made in three pieces: the jar, the lid and the knob. Bill starts by making a cylinder, which will become the jar. He begins by centering and opening 1-1/2 pounds of clay.

2. The gallery will need an ample amount of clay; because of the gallery profile, as Bill's fingertips come upward, they stop short of the rim, compressing the clay to create a thickness at the rim. Pushing downward, he molds the clay while capturing it with his thumbtip above the rim and his fingertip just beneath the rim. After each pull he levels the rim to thicken it again (figure E).

3. To split the rim into the gallery, using the side of his thumb, he divides the rim in half and pushes down slightly while supporting the rim from the underneath on the outside. He refines the rim, using the rounded tip of a sculpting tool (figure F).

Figure E

Figure F

4. Bill gives the jar its final form, using light pressure from the inside, supported by the outside fingers as he rounds out the final form.

5. He briefly squeezes the neck of the jar before taking his first measurement. The jar needs to be 3-1/2" wide from inside rim to inside rim (figure G). His first measurement is a little wide. To narrow the rim, Bill very carefully compresses the rim and remeasures, making sure the measurements are accurate (figure H).

Figure G

Figure H

6. Next, he gently pushes the jar against the straight edge of a rib, giving the jar a clean, round profile.

7. Using a sponge on a stick, he removes any excess water from inside the jar. Bill cleans up all the edges, again using the tip of the sponge, and cuts the jar loose from the wheel head. With dry hands, he lifts the cylinder to the ware board.

RESOURCES :

Kilns
L & L Kilns
Website: www.hotkilns.com

Clay
Highwater Clays
Website: www.highwaterclays.com

Extruders
American Art Clay Co. Inc. (AMACO)
Website: www.amaco.com